Abstract
From paramutation to paradigm.
Highlights
Classical genetic studies aim to understand how genes determine biological processes, physical characteristics, behaviour, and disease by identifying heritable variations in DNA sequence that associate with specific phenotypes
One specific type of non-Mendelian trans-generational inheritance, paramutation, occurs when one mutant allele induces a heritable epigenetic change in a different allele of the same gene in trans, allowing the paramutated allele to cause a phenotype in the absence of any genetic change [1,6]
Published examples of paramutation are hugely outweighed by examples of classic Mendelian genetic inheritance, understanding the mechanisms that cause paramutation is likely to inform on the way that organisms can establish new heritable epigenetic states during normal development or perhaps in times of nutritional and environmental stress
Summary
Classical genetic studies aim to understand how genes determine biological processes, physical characteristics, behaviour, and disease by identifying heritable variations in DNA sequence that associate with specific phenotypes. Non-Mendelian trans-generational inheritance is linked to epigenetic processes that mediate transmissable changes in gene expression independently of any change in DNA sequence.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
